Loose leaf binder



May 11, 1937. F. MADLE 2,079,865

LOOSE LEAF BINDER Filed Feb. 3, 1936 (i arm;

Patented May 11, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE LOOSE LEAF BINDER poration of Illinois Application February 3, 1936, Serial No. 62,010

3 Claims.

The invention has for its object to provide a novel loose-leaf binder of very simple and cheap construction which is adapted particularly to receive menu cards, or the like, which in many instances are interchanged daily.

The main object of the invention is to provide a very simple and easily operable loose-leaf binder or container, which may also be termed or entitled a menu-holder.

1 1) A suitable embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawing, wherein,

Fig. 1 is a view of a loose-leaf binder constructed in accordance with the invention, showing the same open and containing a folded sheet secured 1:; thereto.

Fig. 2 is similar to Fig. 1 with the loose -sheet removed from the device.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary detail section of the device on an enlarged scale taken on the line 3-3 of Fig. 1.

' Fig. 4 is a vertical longitudinal sectional View of the device taken on the line 4-4 of Fig. 2.

The device comprises a pair of cover leaves (I) and (2) each of which is provided along one n3 edge with a recess of tubular hinge formations (3) and (5), respectively, the hinge formation (3) of the cover leaf (I) being alternated or staggered with relation to the formation (4) of the cover leaf (2), said formations when disposed in the position shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 4, being axially aligned to form a continuous tube adapted to receive a pivot member or members.

In the instance illustrated, the hinge tube is arranged to receive the hinge pins (5), each of ,3 which, preferably, is of a length substantially equal to half the length of said tube and each of which is equipped at one end with a hook formation (6) which is contracted at its mouth so that the free end portion of the hook cooperates with the opposed portion of the body of the hinge pin to clamp a wall portion of a hinge formation (3) or (d), as the case may be, between the body of the pin and said hook for yieldingly holding said pin against longitudinal displacement. The said hook is resilient, so that it may also receive one or more sheets (1) of paper or other material which it clamps against the opposed hinge formation. Preferably, the said hook formation terminates in a loop (8) for easy engagement for so purposes of moving the hinge pin outwardly at the position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 1 for disengaging the sheet (1) and permitting the insertion of a similar sheet or sheets.

Preferably, the leaves (I) and (2) are made of 55 a relatively stiff material, capable of being bent and formed to the extent necessary to provide the hinge formations (3) and (4), although, obviously, the latter may be attached to the leaves i) and (2) instead of being integral therewith.

The advantage of the structure lies in the fact 5 that the hinge pins perform two functions, as above described, and adapt the device for retaining folded sheets (7) in place within the binder in such a manner that when the latter is opened, to the position shown in Figs. 1 and 2, 1:) the folded sheets (1) would also open up to the position shown in Figs. 1' and 3.

While the hook formation shown and described hereinabove is preferable, because of low cost and efiiciency, it will be obvious, of course, that any equivalent element adapted to the same purpose may be substituted therefor.

I claim as my invention:

1. A menu holder comprising a pair of leaves equipped with hinge formations along one edge of each thereof, a pair of hinge-pins extending into said hinge formations from opposite ends of the latter for pivotally connecting said leaves with each other, each of said hinge-pins equipped at its outer end with a hook formation presenting a curved end portion opposed to and hugging a point in the body of the hinge-pin adjacent the outer end thereof, said hook formation constituting a yielding clamping member, cooperating with the body portion of the pin for yieldingly 3O engaging a wall portion of a hinge formation of one of the leaves between the pin and said curved portion of said hook formation for holding said pin against longitudinal movement.

2. A menu-holder comprising a pair of leaves equipped along one edge each with tubular hinge formations arranged to provide a continuous tube along the entire length of the meeting edges of said leaves, a pair of opposed hinge-pins of a combined length approximately equal to the length of said tube and engaged in opposite end portions of the latter, each of said hinge-pins equipped with a resilient hook formation at one end thereof having a free end portion disposed for engaging a wall portion of one of said hinge formations between it and the body of the hingepin for retaining said pin engaged in said tube, said hook formation being adapted to receive and engage an edge portion of a menu disposed between said leaves.

3. A loose 'leaf binder comprising a pair of cover leaves equipped along meeting edges thereof with staggered tubular hinge formations aligned with each other to provide a continuous tube, a pair of opposed hinge pins engaged in opposite end portions of said tube and each of a length greater than one of said hinge formations for cooperation with the latter to provide hinge connections for said cover leaves, and resilient hook formations at the outer ends of said respective hinge-pins arranged for cooperation with the body portions of the latter to engage yieldingly the wall portions of certain hinge formations and adapted to receive and engage edge portions of a loose-leaf insert between said covers for clamping the latter against said tube.

FRANK MADLE. 

